My guest today is talented illustrator and sometimes author Kit Grady. Grady has worked for Windswept House Publishers, Kaeden Books, Guardian Angel Publishing, The United Methodist Publishing House and Kicksclub Books. In this interview, Grady talks about her road to illustrating, her style and working with children's books. To learn more about her work, visit her website.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you started illustrating children's books?
I have always enjoyed drawing and expressing myself on paper. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in art, and later many SCBWI Conferences plus all the writing an illustrating classes I could find. My first book, Jiggsy’s Necklace, I wrote and illustrated, was published with Windswept House. Later I wrote and illustrated one for Kaeden Books. I have had many types of projects throughout the years and learned so much. (Yet always finding more I need to know) I currently work with Guardian Angel Publishing as one of their illustrators and illustrate for Kicks Publications. I have several projects in the wings. I stay busy which is a good thing.
How would you describe your style?
I strive for a more painterly style even though I use photoshop on the computer to do the art work. I try to keep my illustrations colorful, with lots of expression and action.
What excites you about a picture book manuscript?
I love the process. When I first get a manuscript, I look through it for a great story, good pacing and picture possibilities. When you find these types of manuscripts it really gets you excited. You may have a story you enjoy doing the illustrations and know the pictures will be of the subjects you do well, but if deep down you know the story is not what it should be, it can be a problem. I have been so fortunate to have many good stories to work with. I strive for a great book.
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